After an intense final push by the members of the Oseberg Boat Guild, our “flagship”was relaunched on April 4. Soon, she’ll be ready for a new season.
By Einar Chr. Erlingsen
PREPARATIONS: Rita Dahl Aspvik and Arne Hesselberg prepare the dragon head for
installation.
This year marks the 13th season for Saga Oseberg since her launch on June 20, 2012. That makes this new version of the magical Oseberg ship just one year younger than the original was when it was laid to rest in a burial mound in Slagendalen in the year 834.
According to the volunteers, Saga Oseberg is still in remarkably good condition. For example, only a handful of the approximately 3,000 rivets have had to be replaced since the first launch. The wood is like new—carefully scraped and tarred every single year.
In the near future, the tar will be given time to dry, floor planks and ballast stones will be placed on board, the mast and rigging will be raised, and the bow decorations will be mounted. Then Saga Oseberg will be ready for new adventures—carrying passengers at events or on the two-week crew voyage planned for July. For the rest of the season, the ship will remain in her home port as the attraction she truly is.
Well done to our skilled and dedicated volunteer boat guild members!
Translated to english by ChatGPT
WAITING FOR THE CRANE: “Saga Oseberg” is ready to be lifted. In the
background: Saga Gokstad under construction. To the right: A small Bindal boat that has been
brought in for repairs.
ALMOST READY to be lifted. In the foreground: Jan Erichsen.
FINAL TOUCHES: A few small spots remain to be tarred—ones that couldn’t be reached
before the ship was lifted.
SHE FLOATS: Just like the ship in the fairy tale of the Ashlad and His Good Helpers
“Saga Oseberg” can travel both over land and sea.